I'm left wondering what the human did to Athena immediately after the fight. Was Athena punished? Does Athena believe she lost because of the human's interdiction? Is Athena injured and the owner just isn't seeing it?

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I'm left wondering what the human did to Athena immediately after the fight. Was Athena punished? Does Athena believe she lost because of the human's interdiction? Is Athena injured and the owner just isn't seeing it?

No punishment, she was checked for injuries then immediately retreated under the bed. She will stick her nose out from under the bed to let it be rubbed and you can hear her tail thumping but she will not come out yet. All the dogs have been seperated and the 12 year old female Pit has been treated for her face and ears.

Hiding under the bed maybe is expected. It's much like when we get into a big fight or brawl, particularly when it's with someone you know. You do feel nervouse for a day or two after it wondering what happened etc.

I think the others are correct in that this is NOT a breed issue. This is pack shuffling that if left unchecked will most likely lead to the death of one of the female dogs.

John

She should never have allowed the mounting and all those overt signs of dominance. Dominance just by a way of life and being fair, such as through demeanor, posture, and signals without aggression, okay. Dominance by being pushy, overbearing, aggressive, rude, unfair, not okay. Not stepping in as the pack leader, the one to protect the pack and keep everyone in line, therefore letting this poor dog fear for her safety, definitely not okay. By allowing that behavior to occur knowing that the pit was getting on and Athena was getting older and stronger, she set up the situation she is in now. I think she should keep the dogs separated. This doesn't sound like something that's going to be fixed by an inexperienced person or someone not attuned to pack behavior and dog communication. I think Athena is acting well within her rights, even though that behavior is wrong. The problem though is from that pit, but it also really wasn't her fault. It was the owner's fault for not being a fair leader, in control, ensuring the pack was living by the human's rules and that everyone was safe and secure. Separate or rehome.

I agree wholeheartedly with Diana & John. My bf's dad has had sweet hunting dogs his entire life. After his last german shaorthair passed away, the mans' 50 year old son dumped an 8 week old akita bitch puppy on him. When that dog was about 2, the same son dumped a 1 year old pt/rot bitch on him. Now the dogs are 6 & 7 years old. I am amazed they are both still alive. Constant battles for position. Serious fights. My bfs' father refuses to spay & refuses to keep them seperated. It's a sad & frustrating situation. As far as I can see, the only solution is to rehome or keep the bitches seperated.

First I want to thank all that offered very good information. Natas the Pit is pretty sick and Athena has gone to a better place. I have to say I am pretty disapointed with the outcome but then it was not my dog, my home or my family but it is rather heart wrenching the results. Thanks folks.


RIP Athena

Valerie, am I reading this right? They put the GSD down??!!

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Valerie, am I reading this right? They put the GSD down??!!

Judy -

Yes you are reading it right, I left friday to drive my daughter back to school at ECU in NC, when I got back I checked to see how Athena was doing and this is the news I got, makes me teary eyed every time I think about it. I pray the choice was guided by something that could not be communicated over the net............

My gosh.... <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /> x 1000.

I sincerely hope you sternly inform them that they are in no position whatsoever to get another dog and that if they do they are doing a disservice to both dogs.

It pisses me off that people ditch their pets for their own stupid mistakes without bothering to attempt a fix. I'll bet Athena could have made a very nice pet in an only-dog household or even in a household with a submissive, respectful dog. What's done is done I guess. They had better not get any other dogs though. Ever.